Shudder announced today that it has acquired Honey Bunch, the psychological gothic thriller from filmmaking duo Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli, ahead of its North American premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. The film, starring Grace Glowicki (Dead Lover), Ben Petrie (BlackBerry), Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus), Kate Dickie (The Witch), India Brown (Invasion), and Julian Richings (Beau Is Afraid), will debut on the streaming platform in 2026. The acquisition includes rights in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.
Honey Bunch is the second feature from Sims-Fewer and Mancinelli, following their acclaimed debut Violation, also released by Shudder. After premiering at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, the film will make its U.S. premiere later this month at Fantastic Fest.
The story follows Diana (Glowicki), who wakes from a coma with fragmented memories. With her husband (Petrie), she seeks experimental treatments at a secluded facility. As the procedures grow more invasive, Diana begins questioning her husband’s true motives, straining their already fragile marriage.
Directors Sims-Fewer and Mancinelli described the project as “a twisted love story. Not a fairytale,” emphasizing its exploration of the difficult, sometimes painful struggles of sustaining a relationship. Emily Gotto, SVP of Shudder Acquisitions and Production, praised the film as “an experience that’s both emotional and entertaining, anchored by incredible performances.”
Honey Bunch is produced by Becky Yeboah, Sims-Fewer & Mancinelli for Cat People, and Rhombus Media. Executive Producers include Niv Fichman, Fraser Ash, Kevin Krikst, Ben Petrie, Tenille Shockey, François Dagenais, William Woods, Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin, Maxime Cottray, Todd Brown, Adrian Love, and Mike O’Leary. XYZ Films financed the film with IPR.VC and is handling worldwide licensing outside of Canada. The deal was negotiated by Gotto for Shudder with Nate Bolotin and Pip Ngo for XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
